Library dishes out eats in bid to draw more kids to meals program

Fewer than one in five eligible Massachusetts children who receive meal assistance during the school year take advantage of a federally funded program that provides free meals during the summer.

On Monday, U.S. Rep. James P. McGovern, D-Worcester, made stops in Greenfield, Athol, Winchendon, Leominster and Worcester to promote the Summer Food Service Program. He was joined by Miranda E. Miranda, branch chief for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Special Nutrition Program, and other state and local officials.

"A child's need for nutritious food doesn't just end because the school year does. For many folks the challenge of replacing their child's free or reduced school lunch during the summer months can be truly daunting," Mr. McGovern said.

Thirty-eight percent of children in Massachusetts are eligible for free or reduced-price meals during the school year, but far fewer take advantage of the meals during the summer.

Only about 16 percent of Massachusetts children who were eligible for free meals took part in the Summer Food Service Program in 2013.

The program provides free meals to children 18 and younger when school is not in session. In Massachusetts, the program is administered by the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

In Worcester, the program is run by Friendly House, the Worcester County Food Bank and the Worcester public schools.

In the city this summer, there are 35 meal sites, including schools, parks, neighborhood centers and, new this year, each of the city's library branches.

Donna Lombardi, food service director for the Worcester public schools, described lack of participation as a logistical issue.

"It's not as easy during the summer. ... That's why we went mobile," she said, referring to the blue truck operated by the Worcester public schools and supported by the Worcester County Food Bank with help from Stop & Shop's Our Family Foundation. The truck, which debuted last summer, visits several of the city's free meal sites that don't have the means to prepare meals.

"With both our wonderful collaborations among local, state and federal partners, we've been able to provide the summer meal program to where children are most active during the summer," Ms. Lombardi said.

This is Maribel Damik's second year working the food truck, the inside of which was comfortably chilly on a warm summer afternoon.

"And what would you like for lunch? And what kind of milk?" she asked youngsters lined up curbside on Salem Street.

Seven-year-old Jamaya knew exactly which sandwich she wanted.

"Jelly!" she exclaimed after being given the choice of that or chicken salad.

Jamaya was visiting the library with her mother and siblings, who are participating in the summer reading program.

"Here in Worcester, not only are kids 18 or under getting free nutritious meals, for the first time they're getting those meals at all of our public libraries across the city," Mr. McGovern said. "How wonderful that you can come to the library to get a book and also get something to eat."

Registration is not required for the summer food program. For a list of food sites across the state, visit www.meals4kids.org.

Contact Sara Schweiger at Sara.Schweiger@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SschweigerTG.